Thailand's Hidden Crisis: Helping the Homeless, Hungry, and Elderly

In this episode about Thailand's hidden crisis, I interview Friso Poldervaart, who transformed a simple pandemic response into Bangkok's leading homeless support organization. Discover the alarming reality of Bangkok's homelessness epidemic—where 60% are elderly surviving on just 600 baht monthly—and how Bangkok Community Help has distributed nearly 4.5 million meals to Thailand's hungry. From creating Thailand's first inner-city homeless shelter to providing 750 scholarships that keep underprivileged Thai children in school, this grassroots initiative shows how volunteer work in Thailand creates lasting impact. With 3,000 volunteers tackling poverty in Bangkok slums, they're addressing Thailand's elderly crisis through sustainable solutions rather than temporary aid. Learn how travelers, expats, and donors worldwide can contribute to helping Thailand's vulnerable communities.

🏠 VISIT Bangkok Community Help: https://bangkokcommunityhelp.org

💰 DONATE - Just $140 sponsors a child's education for a full year!

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 VOLUNTEER - Join 3,000+ volunteers making a difference in Bangkok

▶️ Instagram: @bangkokcommunityhelp
▶️ Facebook: @bangkokcommunityhelp

🌍 SHARE this video to spread awareness about Thailand's vulnerable communities

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00:00 Introduction
01:13 Starting Bangkok Community Help
04:23 Transition to an Official NGO
06:19 Entrepreneurial Ventures and Skills
10:36 Empowering Volunteers and Community Involvement
15:52 Success Stories and Impact
20:41 Challenges Facing the Elderly in Thailand
26:10 Education Barriers and Solutions
29:59 How to Get Involved